A wise move
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The development of Honda's next-generation flagship Accord sedan, due in four or five years, likely will be led from Ohio instead of Japan, Honda says. The automaker believes that its Ohio resources are "fully capable" and the switch of r&d is a signal that Honda has full confidence in its U.S. team. The Ohio tech center will lead development of the next Honda Civic as well.
Designing the next Accord in the United States would be a good thing. Although it's hard to argue with the Japanese track record on developing important vehicles such as the Accord and Toyota Camry, the quick-but-extensive midcycle changes on the Civic show that Japan can lose track of market realities in the United States.
It is proof that Japan should keep moving more responsibility to the United States.
Going local, even in a global industry, makes sense.
